Competition packet for Northern Avenue Bridge contest now available

Mar 25, 2016

The City of Boston and the BSA are encouraging people to think creatively about how the next iteration of the Northern Avenue Bridge can best serve Boston’s growing Seaport district, not only as a key transportation link but also as a destination in and of itself. Participants in the contest will soon be able to submit their ideas in written or graphic form on the contest website. Now, the competition packet, a guide for participants, is available for download and includes complete details and documents such as the design brief, bridge conditions, maps, reference reports, and photos.

Contest submissions will be accepted starting April 22, 2016.

Located atop the Fort Point Channel, the Northern Avenue Bridge was completed in 1908 under the oversight of William Jackson, the Chief of the Boston City Engineering Department at the time. The bridge has served pedestrians, cyclists, automobiles, and freight trains throughout its lifespan. However, continuous exposure to salt water and air has caused the bridge to corrode, and in 2014 the iconic structure was closed to all traffic due to concerns about its structural integrity.

With hopes of the bridge’s future being as fruitful as its past, Mayor Walsh and his administration committed to facilitating a public process in the form of the Northern Avenue Bridge contest. In order to ensure the Northern Avenue Bridge’s future enhances mobility, celebrates history, and creates a destination for the next 100 years, the City of Boston and the BSA/AIA are seeking your input to inform the future of the bridge.

For questions about the competition please email [email protected] and be sure to join the conversation on Twitter using #NorthernAveContest.